Case IH offers 6 powerful and fuel-efficient Tier 4A Steiger tractors

Misty Caddell (EQW) | EQW

Originally debuted in 2010, Steiger model 350, 400, 450, 500, 550, and 600 tractors are designed to meet the power, durability, comfort and productivity needs of large-scale North American agricultural producers while also meeting Tier 4A emissions standards.

The Steiger 600 is available in a wheeled or four-track configuration.The Steiger 600 is available in a wheeled or four-track configuration.

The lineup includes three models capable of the narrow wheel-tread settings needed by row-crop producers. Steiger 350, 400 and 450 models have an ideal frame for their power capability, providing an optimal weight-to-horsepower ratio and allowing tread settings as narrow as 60 inches for typical row-crop spacing. Meanwhile, three larger high-horsepower, wide-frame models are built with the aggressive stance needed to handle the worlds biggest and most productive broad-acre implements. The wide frame of the Steiger 500, 550 and 600 feature heavy-duty drivetrain components, 113 gallon-per-minute hydraulic flow and 660 maximum engine horsepower.

The Steiger 350 features the proven 8.7-liter engine that has been updated to be Tier 4A emissions compliant, while the other Steiger models feature the proven 12.9-liter engine that has been used in previous Steiger tractors, along with the Case IH 9120 combine. The 12.9-liter engine in these tractors is Tier 4A emissions compliant and equipped with a two-stage turbo for the Steiger 550 and 600.

To match the torque produced by this powerful system, Case IH equipped the Steiger 550 and 600 tractors with heavy 5.5-inch axles and 18-bolt hubs and wheels. All models in the series feature tough frames that are welded using half-inch thick steel along with longer wheelbases with built-in weight for improved ride comfort and more traction for the demanding forces of high-horsepower applications.

The Steiger 350, 400 and 450 maintain the heavier, thicker-steel frame of the larger Steiger tractors, but are built with a narrower frame width to allow for typical row spacing, making them ideal for row-crop farmers. Because they maintain a long wheelbase and heavy frame similar to the larger tractors, these models have excellent weight distribution for improved front-wheel pulling. This allows the row-crop models to not only do row-crop work, such as planting and strip till, but also handle the toughest tillage and planting chores and pull the biggest grain carts.

The Steiger 450, 500, 550 and 600 are available in the exclusive Case IH Quadtrac configuration, which uses an independent, four-track, positive drive system to minimize ground pressure, reduce compaction and improve traction.

Steiger 350, 400, 450, 500, 550 and 600 models can be equipped with a 113 gallon-per-minute parallel flow hydraulic system to accommodate the largest planters and seeders, which require higher hydraulic flow rates to maintain accuracy. Electronic positioning remote control valves provide more precise flow and repeatability. The Twin Flow system has more than enough flow for bigger implements and eliminates the need for additional hydraulic pumps, leading to fewer breakdowns. It also automatically compensates for viscosity changes from temperature fluctuation.

The Steiger Surveyor cab is designed to function as an office in the field with plenty of room and high visibility. Featuring one of the quietest tractor cabs in the industry, the inside of the tractor cab during field operation is about as quiet as the inside of a sedan on the highway. This allows operators to listen to the radio or use a mobile phone without straining to hear. Steiger tractors offer elevated foot rests to provide a more comfortable seated position. Increased storage areas and power outlets accommodate cell phones, laptops, MP3 players and more.

Because tractors are subject to constant jarring and bouncing during field work, Steiger offers a suspended cab option, which stabilizes front-to-back, side-to-side and up-and-down motions, creating a smooth, more controlled ride. This improves focus during operation and minimizes fatigue after a long day in the field.

Steiger tractors feature an exclusive 40-degree, right-hand swivel seat, which provides operators with a more ergonomic field of vision to see the front of the tractor, while also monitoring the implement behind, to help minimize neck strain. In conjunction with Case IH Advanced Farming Systems (AFS) AccuGuide autoguidance, operators in the swivel position can more easily monitor the true productivity zone the implement behind the tractor.

Several cab controls have been relocated to the upper right-hand side of the cab headliner within easy reach, while the most frequently used functions are contained in the MultiControl Armrest console, bringing all vital tractor operations into one easy-to-operate controller. The MultiControl Armrest controls up to eight hydraulic remote valves, shifting capabilities and the automatic end-of-row function. The end-of-row button allows operators to transition implements from the end of one pass to begin the next with the push of a button.

An AFS Pro 700 color display is integrated into the MultiControl armrest and moves with the tractor. The AFS Pro 700 allows the operator to seamlessly control not only AFS AccuGuide autoguidance functions, but also general tractor functions through AFS Field Performer. The Pro 700 can be customized to display key tractor operating information most important to the individual producer.

All Steiger tractors are also equipped with DieselSaver Automatic Productivity Management (APM) to automatically select the best gear and engine speed combination to achieve the best possible fuel economy while meeting power requirements, no matter what implement is being used or what terrain is being navigated.

An exclusive lighting package with more lighting power and adjustable HID lights enhances nighttime vision by providing 360-degree lighting in the field. The lighting system is five to six times brighter than standard lighting systems, and the HID lamps last 6,000 hours longer than traditional tractor lights.

Case IH also increased fuel tank capacity, equipping Steiger tractors with larger fuel tanks up to 470 gallons to last more than a full days work. The steel fuel tank is built into the tractor frame, which adds strength and minimizes risk of damage.

Despite being the largest, most powerful tractors on the market, service on Steigers is simple and convenient. All day-to-day servicing such as transmission, oil and hydraulic fluid checks can be done from ground level. Fluid-level sight gauges are visible from the ground, which minimizes the need to climb up and down tractor steps. Steiger tractors also feature a front upward-opening hood design that provides quick and easy access to engine components. Steiger models also feature a 24-volt system, resulting in quicker and easier engine turnover. The 24-volt system is compatible with 12 volts, meaning operators can boost the system with a pickup truck, should batteries need recharging.

With more fields in some regions surrounded by suburban sprawl, Steiger tractors include an electric cut-off switch, along with lock-down capability for hood, fuel tank, hydraulic reservoir, transmission reservoir and battery cover to help provide vandalism protection.

Steiger was the first tractor in the industry to adopt durable automotive-grade paint for enhanced long-term appearance. This helps minimize paint fade and weathering from exposure to precipitation, dirt, wind and sun, extending the tractors appearance for optimal trade-in value.